Response from the ASA and a Nice Weekend 03/03/09
The ASA sent me a letter explaining why they cannot persue complaints againt the Christian Party’s advertisement. So it turns out that clause 12 of the ASA code makes political parties exemt from the rules. Basically, as far as they’re concerned, advertisements to influence voters are allowed regardless and by interfering with this they are interfering with democracy (what democracy?! but that’s a debate for another day…)
12.1 Any advertisement or direct marketing communication, whenever published or distributed, whose principal function is to influence voters in local, regional, national or international elections or referendums is exempt from the Code.
Oh well. You win, Christian Party. Nicely played. The letter explained the reasons why two similar advertisements were allowed to go ahead. One, from the Trinitarian Bible Society, simply contained a bible quote (The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.
) and the other, from the Russian Orthodox Church, contained the slogan There IS a God, BELIEVE. Don’t worry and enjoy your life.
which was deemed a clear reflection of opinion rather than trying portray something inprovable as fact. Fine by me, I never had a problem with these advertisements.
The Theist Bus 22/02/09
I previously blogged about the atheist bus in my post titled They’re Probably Right, but the Christians have fought back with an advertising campaign of their own. As I was walking down Gower Street at about 8:30 yesterday evening I spotted this advertisement on a number 73 bus. I tried my best to take a snapshot, but spur of the moment photography isn’t my strong point.
They’re Probably Right 27/01/09
I expect you’ve all heard about the Atheist Bus Campaign started by Ariane Sherine in October last year to counter an unsettling Christian advertisement spotted on London buses (see Why should we put up with religious ads on the side of buses?). I expect you’ve also heard all the controversy. Well, I’m thrilled that free speech has prevailed and that anyone who wants to promote a faith (or lack thereof) is pretty much entitled to; if you use the word ‘probably’.